Senator Lindsey Graham Leads Effort for US to Recognize Israel's Sovereignty Over Golan 'Now and Forever'

US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said he will urge Congress to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

"From the state of South Carolina, I come here as an American. I come here to try to figure out what's best for America. What's best for America is a safe, secure, and prosperous Israel," Graham said Monday during a tour of the Golan with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.

"I will go back to the US Senate, working with Senator (Ted) Cruz, I will start an effort to recognize the Golan as part of the State of Israel, now and forever. Because to give this territory up would be a strategic nightmare for the State of Israel. And who would you give it to?"

Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967 and officially annexed the territory in 1981. The international community does not recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan and the United Nations considers the area occupied territory.

The Golan is of strategic importance to Israeli security, but Syria demands Israel's full withdrawal.

Graham maintained that Israel must remain strong and has protected US citizens by sharing valuable intelligence with the States.

"From a military point of view, the best friend the United States can possibly ever have in a troubled region. I cannot tell you how much intelligence has been given to the US from our friends in Israel to protect the American homeland. So if you believe, as I do, [that] the State of Israel is a strategic partner to the United States, and its survival and its prosperity and security is relevant to American national security, you would come here, to the Golan," he concluded.

Netanyahu echoed Graham's words.

"The Golan Heights will always be part of Israel. It is important that the international community, especially our great friend the United States, recognizes this fact and accepts it," he said.

With my good friend, Senator @LindseyGrahamSC, today in the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights will always be part of Israel. It is important that the international community, especially our great friend the United States, recognizes this fact and accepts it. pic.twitter.com/joXEB9URX7